THE IMPACTS OF GENERATIVE AI ON ACADEMIC WRITING DEVELOPMENT AMONG POSTGRADUATE EFL LEARNERS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22460/eltin.v14i1.p155-166Abstract
This study examines the impact of generative AI on the development of postgraduate EFL learners’ academic writing skills. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into language education, generative AI is believed to support writing processes and enhance learner engagement. This study aims to explore how generative AI influences academic writing development among postgraduate EFL learners. A qualitative library research design was employed, analyzing 30 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2024 and 2025. The data were examined using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework, with open coding applied to ensure analytical rigor. The findings suggest that generative AI positively impacts learners’ analytical and critical writing abilities, particularly in improving coherence, idea organization, and error identification. It also contributes to the development of positive learning behaviors, including increased confidence, autonomy, and persistence in overcoming writing challenges. These findings indicate that the integration of generative AI can support more strategic and adaptive academic writing practices, offering valuable implications for language educators.
References
Aldabbus, S., & Almansouri, E. (2022). Academic Writing Difficulties Encountered by University EFL Learners. British Journal of English Language Linguistics, 10(3), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.37745/bjel.2013/vol10n3111
Aljuaid, H. (2024). The impact of artificial intelligence tools on academic writing instruction in higher education: A systematic review. Arab World English Journal Special Issue on ChatGPT, 4(24), 26-55. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/ChatGPT.2
Alzubi, A. A. F. (2024). Generative Artificial Intelligence in the EFL Writing Context: Students’ Literacy in Perspective. Qubahan Academic Journal , 4(2), 59–69. https://doi.org/10.48161/qaj.v4n2a506
Arif, H., & Naeem, J. (2025). The Impact of Generative AI on Learner Autonomy and Critical Thinking in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Writing Classrooms. Journal of Applied Linguistics and TESOL, 8(3), 2264-2275. https://doi.org/10.63878/jalt1249
Barasa, D. (2024). Demystifying the Discourse: Techniques to Effective Academic Writing. Journal of Research and Academic Writing, 1(1), 13–21. https://doi.org/10.58721/jraw.v1i1.571
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Conceptual and Design Thinking for Thematic Analysis. Qualitative Psychology Journal, 9(1), 3–26. file:///Users/ksiamisang/Desktop/mark.pdf.
Chanpradit, T. (2025). Generative artificial intelligence in academic writing in higher education: A systematic review. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology Journal, 9(4), 889-906. DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v9i4.6128
Choudhury, A., & Shamszare, H. (2023). Investigating the Impact of User Trust on the Adoption and Use of ChatGPT: Survey Analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.2196/47184
Chyne, R. C., Khongtim, J., & Wann, T. (2024). Exploring the Influence of Generative AI on Academic Writing among Post Graduate Students of North-Eastern Hill University. Academic Convention Journal, 21(9), 1-9. https://ir.inflibnet.ac.in/
Deep, P. Das, & Chen, Y. (2025). The Role of AI in Academic Writing: Impacts on Writing Skills, Critical Thinking, and Integrity in Higher Education. Societies Journal, 15(9), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090247
Dhimolea, T. K., Kaplan-Rakowski, R., & Lin, L. (2022). A Systematic Review of Research on High-Immersion Virtual Reality for Language Learning. Tech Trends Journal, 66(5), 810–824. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-022-00717-w
Fleckenstein, J., Liebenow, L. W., & Meyer, J. (2023). Automated feedback and writing: A multi-level meta-analysis of effects on students' performance. Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence Journal, 3(7), 1-11. DOI: 10.3389/frai.2023.1162454
Ghafouri, M., Hassaskhah, J., & Mahdavi-Zafarghandi, A. (2024). From virtual assistant to writing mentor: Exploring the impact of a ChatGPT-based writing instruction protocol on EFL teachers’ self-efficacy and learners’ writing skill. Language Teaching Research Journal, 4(4), 22-34. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688241239764
Gloria, G., & Mbato, C. L. (2023). Indonesian master students’ motivation and metacognitive strategies in academic writing. Englisia: Journal of Language, Education, and Humanities, 11(1), 128–147. https://doi.org/10.22373/ej.v11i1.18559
Gupta, S., Jaiswal, A., Paramasivam, A., & Kotecha, J. (2022). Academic Writing Challenges and Supports: Perspectives of International Doctoral Students and Their Supervisors. Frontiers in Education Journal, 7(6), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.891534
Ho, C. C. (2024). Using AI-Generative Tools in Tertiary Education: Reflections on Their Effectiveness in Improving Tertiary Students’ English Writing Abilities. Online Learning Journal, 28(3), 33–54. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v28i3.4632
Huang, J., & Mizumoto, A. (2024). Examining the effect of generative AI on students’ motivation and writing self-efficacy. Digital Applied Linguistics Journal, 1(4), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.29140/dal.v1.102324
Jiang, D., & Kalyuga, S. (2022). Learning English as a Foreign Language Writing Skills in Collaborative Settings: A Cognitive Load Perspective. Frontiers in Psychology Journal, 13(6), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.932291
Kim, J., Yu, S., Detrick, R., & Li, N. (2025). Exploring students’ perspectives on Generative AI-assisted academic writing. Education and Information Technologies Journal, 30(1), 1-36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12878-7
Klassen, A. C., Creswell, J., Plano Clark, V. L., Smith, K. C., & Meissner, H. I. (2012). Best practices in mixed methods for quality of life research. Quality of Life Research Journal, 21(3), 377–380. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-012-0122-x
Liu, P., Zhang, Y., & Liu, D. (2022). Flow experience in foreign language writing: Its effect on students’ writing process and writing performance. Frontiers in Psychology Journal, 13(8), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.952044
Mahapatra, S. (2024). Impact of ChatGPT on ESL students’ academic writing skills: a mixed methods intervention study. Smart Learning Environments Journal, 11(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00295-9
Maphoto, K. B., Sevnarayan, K., Mohale, N. E., Suliman, Z., Ntsopi, T. J., & Mokoena, D. (2024). Advancing Students’ Academic Excellence in Distance Education: Exploring the Potential of Generative AI Integration to Improve Academic Writing Skills. Open Praxis Journal, 16(2), 142–159. https://doi.org/10.55982/openpraxis.16.2.649
Mekheimer, M. (2025). Generative AI-assisted feedback and EFL writing: a study on proficiency, revision frequency and writing quality. Discover Education Journal, 4(1), 170-190. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025- 00602-7.
Mitchell, K. M., Zumbrunn, S., Berry, D. N., & Demczuk, L. (2023). Writing Self-Efficacy in Postsecondary Students: a Scoping Review. Educational Psychology Review Journal, 35(3), 1-45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09798-2
Moussa, A., & Belhiah, H. (2024). Beyond Syntax: Exploring Moroccan Undergraduate with AI-Assisted Writing. Arab World English Journal, 1(1), 138–155. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/chatgpt.9
Nelson, A. S., Santamaría, P. V., Javens, J. S., & Ricaurte, M. (2025). Students’ Perceptions of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Use in Academic Writing in English as a Foreign Language. Education Sciences Journal, 15(5), 1-31. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15050611
Nguyen, H. H. B., Ngoc, H. H. B., & Dan, T. C. (2024). Efl Students’ Perceptions and Practices of Using Chatgpt for Developing English Argumentative Essay Writing Skills. European Journal of Alternative Education Studies, 9(1), 168–216. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejae.v9i1.5341
Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic Analysis: Striving to Meet the Trustworthiness Criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847
Oulamine, A., Chakra, R., Ziky, R., Bahida, H., Gareh, F. El, Oubihi, I., & Massiki, A. (2025). A Systematic Literature Review of Barriers Affecting e-Learning in Higher Education. Educational Process: International Journal, 17(8), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.17.396
Pan, X., & Xia, Z. (2025). Exploring the Impact of AI Tools on Academic Writing Skills : A Study of Students and Lecturers at University Level in Malaysia and China. Lecture Notes in Education, Arts, Management and Social Science Journal, 3(4), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.18063/lne.v3i4.926
Qadeer, A. (2025). The Impact of Generative AI in Thesis Writing Support on Research Quality of Postgraduate Students: Mediating Role of Writing Confidence. Journal of Research, Innovation, and Strategies for Education, 2(1), 14–28. https://doi.org/10.70148/rise.17
Rodafinos, A. (2025). The Integration of Generative AI Tools in Academic Writing: Implications for Student Research. Social Education Research Journal, 20(5), 250–258. https://doi.org/10.37256/ser.6220256517
Sofwah Md Nawi, Noridah Sain, Suhaili Mohd Yusof, & Puteri Nur Hidayah Kamaludin. (2025). Generative AI in Academic Writing: Exploring ESL students’ strategies and performance. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 10(13), 55–61. https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10isi30.6879
Soge, E. P., & Mbato, C. L. (2025). The Perceived Impacts of Generative AI on Indonesian EFL Master’s Students’ Motivation in Academic Writing. Prima Magistra: Jurnal Ilmiah Kependidikan, 6(4), 692-704. https://doi.org/10.37478/jpm.v6i4.6120
Söğüt, S. (2024). Generative artificial intelligence in EFL writing: A pedagogical stance of pre-service teachers and teacher trainers. Focus on ELT Journal, 6(1), 58–73. https://doi.org/10.14744/felt.6.1.5
Suglo, E. K., Mejira, A., Bayor, N., Nyemewero, I., & Godfred, A. A. (2024). Integrating Generative AI in Contemporary Research Writing: Exploring Postgraduates’ Knowledge and Willingness to Use GenAI in the Upper East Region of Ghana. American Journal of Technology, 3(1), 33–51. https://doi.org/10.58425/ajt.v3i1.301
Suryanti, F., & Ramadhanti, G. (2024). The Use of Generative AI in Higher Education Students’ Writing :A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of English as a Foreign Language Education, 5(1), 34–49. https://jurnal.untan.ac.id/index.php/JEFLE/article/view/82938
Tiandem-Adamou, Y. (2025). Using Generative Artificial Intelligence to Support EFL Students’ Writing Proficiency in University in China. Journal of Educational Technology and Innovation, 6(4), 59–81. https://doi.org/10.61414/jeti.v6i4.213
Tran, H., Crosthwaite, P., & Pham, Q. H. P. (2025). Students’ self-determination in using machine translation and generative AI tools for English for academic purposes. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 78(9), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2025.101578
Walid, A., Masri, M. J., Sulaiman, S., Aris, N. A., & Nurhandayani, N. (2025). Academic Ethics in the Age of AI: A case study at STKIP DDI Pinrang. APLIKATIF: Journal of Research Trends in Social Sciences and Humanities, 4(3), 288–299. https://doi.org/10.59110/aplikatif.v4i3.667
Wang, L., & Ren, B. (2024). Enhancing Academic Writing in a Linguistics Course with Generative AI: An Empirical Study in a Higher Education Institution in Hong Kong. Education Sciences, 14(12), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14121329
Werdiningsih, I., Marzuki, Indrawati, I., Rusdin, D., Ivone, F. M., Basthomi, Y., & Zulfahreza. (2024). Revolutionizing EFL writing: unveiling the strategic use of ChatGPT by Indonesian master’s students. Cogent Education Journal, 11(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2399431
Xiao, F., Zhu, S., & Wen, X. (2025). Exploring the Landscape of Generative AI (ChatGPT)-Powered Writing Instruction in English as a Foreign Language Education: A Scoping Review. ECNU Review of Education Journal, 20(11), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1177/20965311241310881
Zamorano, C. (2025). Enhancing academic writing in English language education through generative AI integration. Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning Journal, 3(3), 424-447. https://doi.org/10.62583/rseltl.v3i3.87
Zhang, Z., Aubrey, S., Huang, X., & Chiu, T. K. F. (2025). The role of generative AI and hybrid feedback in improving L2 writing skills: a comparative study. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching Journal, 13(5), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2025.2503890
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The author is responsible for acquiring the permission(s) to reproduce any copyrighted figures, tables, data, or text that are being used in the submitted paper. Authors should note that text quotations of more than 250 words from a published or copyrighted work will require grant of permission from the original publisher to reprint. The written permission letter(s) must be submitted together with the manuscript.






